Kimi Antonelli has become a popular name in F1 since Mercedes announced him as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. The rookie driver will face the daunting task of filling the shoes of a seven-time world champion. Moreover, with almost no F1 experience, the Italian prodigy might struggle to find the mojo on the biggest motorsport platform. Although Antonelli has been driving Mercedes F1 vehicles during the tests, it is completely different from an intense weekend race.
The Silver Arrows have endorsed the 18-year-old as Hamilton’s ideal successor, but the F1 community remains divided on the matter. Some support German Marque’s move, while others believe it to be a premature attempt to fill a void. A former F1 team owner has recommended that Antonelli drive for Williams before seizing his opportunity with Mercedes.
F1 Pundit Advises Kimi Antonelli To Follow Max Verstappen’s Path To Avoid A Rushed Debut
The Italian prodigy Kimi Antonelli has earned a name for himself with a staggering F2 performance. Further, he has been hailed by Toto Wolff and other Mercedes members as the next big thing in F1. However, despite all the hype, Eddie Jordan reckons this isn’t the right time for Antonelli’s Mercedes debut. Recently, the teenager got a chance to drive teh W15 in front of his home crowd during the Italian GP FP1 session. However, his drive was cut short by a crash into the Lego box. Later, Antonelli accepted that he had passed the limit and crashed the vehicle. Therefore, during the Formula For Success podcast, Eddie Jordan asserted that Mercedes’s pressure is too much for a teenager. Further, Jordan explained that Antonelli is ready for F1, but the Silver outfit is not the right destination.
Despite the Italian rookie’s speed and talent, the ex-team owner wants him to spend more time in F1 to get accustomed to the intensity. This will allow Toto Wolff and Mercedes to assess his abilities and craft a customized plan for the youngster. Co-host David Coulthard compared Antonelli with Max Verstappen as a 17-year-old racing prodigy. The young Verstappen was placed in Toro Rosso before getting a chance to drive a Red Bull car. Jordan asserted it to be the right path for Verstappen at that age. Thus, he feels Antonelli should drive for Williams or anywhere Toto could get him a seat apart from Mercedes. He further quoted Bernie Ecclestone’s ‘Earn the Right’ saying, affirming Kimi has not earned his Right. Therefore, the rookie should get a chance to settle his nerves in F1 before getting a big run by the Mercedes.
“Not In A Rush,” Mercedes Explains The ‘Hamilton Blueprint’ For Antonelli
Conversely, Mercedes believes it is time for Antonelli to step up. Wolff explained the decision was delayed to prepare Kimi for F1. Further, teh Silver Arrows are using Hamilton’s approach to train Antonelli. With extensive testing and race weekend preparations, the team leaves no stone unturned for Antonelli’s Mercedes entry. Moreover, Wolff stated that the team would continue to groom the young Italian racer through its comprehensive program.